Summary of what people told us... |
Saanich Commonwealth Place Public Engagement
Wednesday September 28th
16 Participants in Focus Group – 10 were representatives from ‘Pulling Together”, others from general public
How do you hear about Saanich activities? How familiar are you with Saanich Parks & Recreation?
- Heard from Volunteering and using local parks
- Signing up for activities in the centres
- When we first moved to Saanich we expected more municipally run seniors facilities
- Q - Will current facilities meet the needs of the older adult population?
- Would prefer to be integrated will all ages as opposed to stand alone senior centres
- Option of Cordova Bay shopping centre as an alternate facility, new centre
- Partner with private facilities/gyms to offer programs.
- Rec Centres are so busy, weightrooms are too small, need another one.
What is an older adult? Do you look for programs by age?
- any age for general programs (arts,)
- would like sports/fitness/health classes to be by age
- depends on the class
- prefer to register by level of class vs the age group
- instructors tailor some classes to older age groups, good but hard for instructors
- integration of ages allow for creating levels within the class, and more classes
- like the word “gentle” as an indication of level
Accessibility, how could it improve?
- Safe Cycling routes to Centres
- Some older adults unable to get out
- have trouble getting in and out of the pool, underwater ramp entry would be helpful
- IDEA: assessment of fitness levels and suitability levels as a service for older adults offered thru the rec centres
- outreach services for those shut in to homes
- transportation issues
- volunteer driving program
- create more options for those with hearing loss – which does cause isolation for some – ‘loop system’ in Saanich facilities
- Would like to see services added (and advertised) in Saanich so people would know if there was a ‘loop” system, or added help for disabled, rating system for noise level etc
- also needs of sight-effected individuals
- have opportunities for the isolated when and if they decide to use the Saanich facilities
- Create knowledge of what is going on by reaching the isolated through notices or water bills
- Need a Drive program to get people in programs who may be recovering from illness but who do not qualify for HandyDart.
- Preserve some walking trails just for walking (Lochside is too busy with bikes now)
- safety issues on the trials with cyclists
- more enforcement of rules on trails
- way more bikers than walkers
- trails are always busy not just during commuter hours
- why not wider trails? Or designated areas for biking – segregation of walkers/bikes
- required bells for bikers
- separate walker/biker trails
- increase accessibility by paving more trails
- issues with mtn bikers creating their own trails
- more public education necessary for people staying on trails
- more signage/barriers to keep people on trails
- set boundaries for all users and participants
- more wheelchair accessible trails similar to that of Francis King Park
- need safe bicycle routes and walking paths to get to the rec centres
- need more public education around preserving nature, and bikes
- US trails in 1930’s created Civilian Conservation Corp – Pacific Coast Trail – good ex.
- maybe allow for more donations
More on Parks – specific Park notes;
- not enough benches in some parks – Beckwith only has one bench in natural park area
- parks bench formula not equal to the number of benches required for older adults
- Playfair park – washrooms need to be open in the winter
- all ages require washrooms all year round not just older adults
- what makes ‘Pulling Together’ as popular as it is as a volunteer opportunity – being in the outdoors – gratifying
- Mt Doug – trails are getting wider
- -winter rains are destroying paths
- -mtn bikers are creating their own trails
- -bootcamp programs are creating erosion because they don’t stay on trails
- -set boundaries, split rail fencing
- Francis King has boardwalk that is wheelchair accessible and plants can grow underneath
- West side parks of Saanich need looking after too
What kind of volunteering opportunities do you take part in? (Many with Pulling Together)
- more public education regarding the ‘Pulling Together’ group – who we are, what we do
- IDEA maybe presentation or Saanich Ted Talks regarding volunteer ops
- What makes the Pulling Together Program successful?
- Fees like you are leaving a legacy
- Seeing the immediate improvement
- Being outdoors
- Nature is linked to health
- Saanich offers great support – Volunteer Coordinator is terrific
-annual training
-provides tools
-public thank yous
How do we make our Saanich facilities more welcoming/accessible?
- lunch and music in the centres
- chatting groups – to create opportunities to just sit and talk
- cheaper access, not enough and not reliable public transportation
- have restaurant/coffee shop hours listed
- quiet spots away from kids
- Another new centre!
- Srs parking spots – non handicapped designated spots, have a Srs parking pass for Centres
- Need to have something for disabled
- Need trained instructors
- In UK seniors get free bus passes, or one day a week (even a month) would help
- More cubicles – privacy if recovering from illness
- More levels of classes – for those that are recovering from illness and have new level of fitness
Where do we look for information on Saanich service?
- Saanich website
- Newspapers
- Program guide
- Radio - CFAX
- ALG
- Saanich News